Steak Tartare (Armenian Chi Kofte)

Chi Kofte is an Armenian beef kofta preparation made of only a few ingredients: fresh raw beef, that’s been grinded several times. To reach smooth and silky texture, #1 bulgur and some spices. It’s very important for the meat to be very-very fresh and if the dish isn’t consumed the same day, it needs to be cooked or fried, just to be safe.

1½ lbs fresh ground beef (chi kofte meat)
1 cup bulgur (#1 fine grind)
¾ cup hot water
1-2 tsp. sea salt

Spices:
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. cayenne
1/3 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. red crushed chili pepper (aleppo pepper)
1½ tsp. tomato paste
1 Tbsp. red pepper paste

Greens:
5-6 Tbsp. scallions, finely chopped
fresh parsley, finely chopped
fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Garnish:
2-3 Tbsp. olive oil to drizzle
lemon wedges

In a bowl combine the hot water and bulgur, mix and set aside for bulgur to soften, 5-8 minutes.

Start chopping the greens.

The bulgur should be ready to be spiced.

Add all the spices, tomato and pepper paste, mix to incorporate.

Finally add the meat, 1 Tbsp. chopped greens and mix again with hands to incorporate everything well.

Use the rest of your chopped greens to cover the serving plate.

Using a small ice cream scoop, spoon the meat onto the serving dish.

Lightly drizzle with olive oil and serve with lemon wedges.